Work Machinery Accidents

The rise of so-called “industrial accidents” gave birth to the Illinois workers’ compensation system. Around 1900, at the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, little government oversight meant that factories were dangerous places. Owners coined the term “industrial accidents” to shift the blame for workplace injuries onto the victims. Eventually, the two sides compromised on a no-fault system that covers economic losses.

Decades ago, the workers’ compensation system was streamlined and fair. But over the past few years, with “tort reform” becoming a political issue, injured workers have suffered.  Wait times have increased greatly and benefits have declined significantly. If you were hurt at work, you cannot count on the system to quickly and easily give you compensation. You can count on the skilled injury attorneys at Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd.. We start fighting for you on day one, and we do not give up until the fight is over. That resolution could be a favorable settlement or a positive outcome at an administrative hearing.

What Causes Industrial Accidents in Chicago?

Poor communication causes some of these instances and employer negligence causes some others. But in most situations, fault is difficult to determine. Fortunately, job injury victims do not need to prove fault to obtain compensation.  As long as you were hurt in the course and scope of your employment, you are entitled to workers compensation benefits.

Most industries are highly competitive. As such, many companies are tempted to shave expenses wherever possible. Worker safety is a logical place to cut costs. Some bosses would rather gamble with a worker’s safety than add an extra few percentage points to their bids. They often reason that, if they do get caught, the penalties are usually not that severe. Plus, they figure they can count on the insurance company’s lawyer to find a legal loophole.

Chicago is an ethnically diverse area, and many workers have limited English proficiency. That is especially true at constructions sites because these jobs require hard work and a special skill set.

Through no fault of their own, many of these workers have a hard time understanding safety announcements. They may have an even harder time reading written instructions. While an employer may provide basic safety equipment and may even go a step beyond and offer usage instructions, many times, these things are not enough.

An experienced attorney knows how to use the no-fault system to the victim’s advantage. Moreover, if the company was reckless, additional compensation may be available, as outlined below.

Compensation Available in Chicago

An industrial accident can involve a trauma injury, like a hand caught in a machine, or an occupational disease, such as toxic exposure. In both of these situations, compensation is available for:

• Medical Bills: Workers’ compensation fully pays for all reasonably necessary medical expenses. That usually includes all doctor bills from the first day of emergency care to the last day of physical therapy. This category generally includes medical devices, prescription drugs, and other ancillary medical expenses, as well.
• Lost Wages: Most victims receive two-thirds of their average weekly wage until they can return to work. These benefits are usually retroactive to the filing date. Permanently disabled victims, whether their condition is total or partial, usually receive an alternative form of compensation.

Illinois job injury victims can choose their own doctors, subject to some very important limitations. It is best to consult with an experienced attorney right away to ensure that you do not run afoul of the law. 

Additional compensation may be available if the employer was reckless or knew about the job hazard. This additional compensation usually includes money for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment in life, and other noneconomic damages.

Connect with Tenacious Attorneys

Equipment-related industrial accidents often cause serious injuries. For a free consultation with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Chicago, contact Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd. We do not charge upfront legal fees in these cases.